The site is located next to Kidbrooke Station at Pegler Square and will house up to 24 officers covering six Safer Neighbourhood Teams, who will now be within a 20-minute walk of their wards
Two additional teams will be based nearby.
Officers were previously operating out of Mottingham, Sidcup and Woolwich, all more than 20 minutes away by car.
The new modern and sleek hub was officially opened on Tuesday, July 15, by Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes.
Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, South East Borough Commander for Lewisham, Greenwich and Bexley, said the new location was chosen for both its transport links and its potential to reconnect policing with the community.
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He told the News Shopper: “Financially and geographically, it’s been ideal. Especially with Kidbrooke train station nearby, which has become a major transport hub.
“When you come off the train station, the first thing you see is the police station. That was really important. We will also do joint operations with British Transport Police.”
Lawry said the design was meant to feel open and welcoming both to the public and the officers working there.
He said: “It doesn’t look like a typical police building. That’s completely intentional.
“I wanted it to be more like an estate agent’s office, where people can see in, see people working, and feel that it’s open and welcoming.”
He said having officers based in the area should encourage more informal contact with residents.
Lawry added: “We want to be part of the community. If you see us, please say hello.
“People always say they don’t see officers anymore, but hopefully, around here, they will.
“This is a great location because directly across the road you’ve got food trucks.
“If you’re standing in the queue waiting for your noodles or rice, people will talk to you in a way they wouldn’t normally.
“People don’t come into police stations unless they’ve got a very purposeful reason, so it is a chance for those conversations to happen naturally.”
The hub was delivered through a Section 106 agreement, a legal requirement for developers to support local infrastructure as part of planning approval.
The project was funded by Berkeley Homes, the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the Metropolitan Police.
Whilst the building has no front counter, an interactive screen outside is expected to offer access to police information, the control room and community updates.
Lawry also encouraged officers to spend time casually communicating with locals.
He said: “I absolutely support my officers having a coffee at Starbucks. That’s how you build relationships. It shouldn’t be unusual.
“It gives people the chance to talk to them. That’s how you break down barriers.”
Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said: “Across the Met we are focused on tackling the crimes that matter most to Londoners and we have made significant progress in reducing neighbourhood crime – with a 19 per cent reduction in offences since April.
“House building is important for London – but as the city grows it inevitably puts extra pressure on local policing teams at a time when we’re having to make tough choices.
“Working closely with councils and developers will be key to ensuring more officers can be based near to the areas they serve – and I’d like to thank Berkeley Homes and the Royal Borough of Greenwich for their support in ensuring our teams remain at the heart of their communities.”
